Withdraw military, police from Anlo - Chiefs

Accra, Nov. 7, GNA - Some clan heads and chiefs of Anlo on Wednesday called on the Government to, as a matter of urgency, withdraw the military and police deployed at Anlo to enable the people to go about their normal economic activities.

They said this was necessary for the hundreds of youth, who have fled the area because of the police presence and were now hiding, to return to their homes and to enable them to harvest their crops. The demands were made at a press conference held in Accra by some clan heads and chiefs of the Anlo State to clarify issues about the recent happenings in the Anlo land, especially in Anloga. A simmering chieftaincy dispute turned violent last week Thursday during the installation of the Regent of Anlo, Togbi Sri III as Awoamefia.
Six people, according to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Joe Ghartey died in the violence when police clashed with angry youth, who were against the installation. The Government obtained a court order to stop the installation but the Secretary of the Awoamefia Palace said the processes were completed before the court order was obtained.
A statement read on behalf of the clan heads and chiefs by Togbi Azadagli III, Head of Tebgi, also called for the immediate release of all those, who have been arrested in connection with the disturbances. In addition, the chiefs called for the removal of the Regional Minister Mr Kofi Dzamesi and the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Keta, Mr Kofi Ahiabor for their role in the Anlo chieftaincy dispute. Tobgi Azadagli III further advocated the immediate transfer of all policemen currently stationed in Anloga and Keta for supporting Awoamefia Togbi Sri III.
They called for the immediate transfer of the Volta Regional Police Command, particularly, the Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bernard Guyiri Dery.
Togbi Azadagli called for the setting up of an independent and impartial judicial committee to investigate and provide answers to the legitimate questions raised and to establish the true facts of what precipitated the violence that resulted in the deaths. He expressed condolences to the families of those, who lost their lives and said at the appropriate time a befitting honour would be done to them as heroes of Anlo.
"We appeal to all Anlos, both at home and abroad to remain calm but vigilant in defending the truth."
Explaining the rationale behind their demands, Togbi Azadagli said the Anlo Traditional Council did not have any capacity to install a chief for the Anlos because of a restraining order of the courts that had been standing since 2000.
He said the Judicial Committee of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs issued restraining orders by virtue of suits filed by Amega C. N. Kwawukume; Seth Kwawukume; Colonel Courage Togobo (rtd) and the late Kofi Togobo; elders and principal members of the Royal Family. He said the installation of Awamafia Togbe Sri III as regent and as the substantive Awoamefia was restrained by separate suits filed against him in 2003 and 2006 by the same persons and which matter was still pending at the Judicial Committee.